Daughter Of Ethos: 0.5 - 1 - 2

by L M Lacee

  ‘Of course Madam, we have plenty of cargo space and many Warriors and females to help.’

  Spying Trina, Peyton called to her. ‘Trina Brown, just the person I need.’

  ‘Yes Madam, what can I do for you?’

  Trina was a tall blonde, green eyed bombshell, with a sharp wit and a skill with languages. She had a permanent suntanned skin tone and her Australian accent was engaging and usually filled with humor.

  At twenty-nine it had been her lifelong dream to be in law enforcement and now she got to be more than just a trooper, she was a Warrior. Trina loved her life; she was never bored or overlooked and was making friends, genuine friends. Which was a novel experience for someone who had been a foster child and then a teenager on the streets of Australia.

  Peyton grinned at the cheerful accent, spoken by one of her favorite people. ‘Trina could you please assist Willian. We need males and females. Actually, we need an armee to remove all the valuables from the vaults and the rooms upstairs, and it will all need to be itemized.’

  ‘Can do. We have heaps of females that know how to do that. I will put the word out as long as the shuttles run, we will be working.’

  ‘Good, I leave it to the two of you then.’

  Trina grinned as Willian nodded his head. Peyton walked farther down another short hallway just pass the last of the vaults. As she listened she heard the two Warriors behind her on their links asking for help.

  FIFTY-SIX:

  She came to a door and wondered why Darby had not unlocked it. Then she saw the lock was something she had never encountered before. It was very high tech, maybe Darby needed Jean or someone to help open it.

  Looking around, she saw no one was watching her, so she placed her hand next to the lock. On what she thought was a stone door, and watched as her hand glowed with starlight. Within seconds, the lock clicked open, and the door swung inwards.

  She peered into the dim room and spied a female with a baby. She just stopped her mouth from dropping open, in what she knew would not be a good first impression. The female was nut brown; it was like she had been fashioned from a walnut tree.

  She seemed very delicate, almost ethereal, and was exquisite. Her hair fell in one long curtain to her waist and she wore a dress that was a shade of green Peyton had never seen before. It appeared to be made from a soft material that fell in waves around her. She looked chilled, Peyton suspected the thin jacket covering her shoulders did nothing to keep her warm. She guessed she was somewhere between her height and Melody’s and the unbidden thought came to mind that she was a tall, slim walnut.

  The baby was a bit of a shock. From what she could see, it was light blue and had a patch of white hair on its head. The infant was wrapped in a blanket that at some time may have been red. On the cabinet next to the bed were diapers and baby bottles, along with some dirty cloths.

  Peyton felt like the baby was only a day or two old, again a thought came to mind of a little blue berry. She had to admit they made a startling pair and as she thought about it; she nodded. It was almost like they were meant to be together and she was meant to find them, almost like it was ordained.

  Walking into the cell, she looked at the female who held the baby protectively against her chest.

  ‘Greetings.’

  ‘Greetings, Star Daughter.’

  Again she was unsurprised, the female knew who she was. ‘Is the baby yours?’

  ‘Yes, but not of my body.’

  ‘Male or female?’

  ‘Female, I was told she is three days old.’

  ‘Is she well, are either of you hurt?’

  ‘I hope she is. I know little of babes and I am unhurt, only chained.’ She moved her leg so Peyton could see the heavy chain wrapped around her abraded ankle.

  ‘Huh!’ Peyton flicked her fingers, and the chain fell away. She mind-sent for Heather. I need you.

  Seconds later, Heather and Hawk entered. ‘Oh, my.’ Heather said, astounded to find the female and baby.

  Hawk bowed. ‘Greetings Sene, are you permitted to leave your home world?’

  ‘Greetings Commander, I indeed have been declared castque.’

  Peyton asked. ‘Commander Hawk, explain please?’

  He inclined his head as he said, ‘Madam, a castque means an outcast. A Sene is what in your language you would refer to as a Seer, and they are always female. There are Sene’s who can see the future of entire worlds or Galaxies. Some can see future stages of any event, such as a battle in a war. Others that can read the future of a single person. It is rumored that there are Sene’s who can see the past and the present. A Sene is never allowed off their home world, unless they are contracted out by their Elders.’ He eyed the Sene sitting sedately on the bed holding a baby.

  Heather asked Hawk. ‘Where is this world?’

  ‘It is called Yanarah and is ruled by the High Elder and twelve Elders. To be named castque means the Sene broke with tradition and disobeyed the Elders. She can never return to her home world and is destined to roam. No one will allow her to settle on their world in fear of retaliation by the Elders. A priounty or what in your tongue is called a bounty, is always paid on the death of a Sene.’

  They all looked at the Sene, who inclined her head in agreement with what he had said. ‘This is so.’

  Peyton asked. ‘Was she worth it?’

  The female answered in her soft musical voice. ‘I did not leave for the babe, although she is a wonderful gift.’

  Heather sighed and rubbed her face. If she ever needed a reminder she was not on Earth anymore, a blue baby was going to do that. As funny as that sounded, it was becoming harder and harder to see the funny side of life just now. She really needed a healer who knew more than she did, especially about these new races of people and the Warriors. She and her team were muddling along, but how long could they keep doing that. How much longer could she go on, she was so dayam tired and at the same time challenged. She supposed that was what kept her going, the challenges she was presented with daily. Leaning back against what she assumed was a wall, she mind-sent to Peyton, Seriously, this world just keeps turning up problems.

  Peyton nodded in reply just as a hidden door into what appeared to be another cell clicked open, throwing Heather off balance. She was saved from falling by Hawk as he grabbed her around the waist, just as two young girls around ten fell into her arms.

  Heather held them as they cried and sobbed their terror against her waist. Patty and Brenda walked into the cell as Peyton’s glow intensified. She looked around the small room and asked Hawk. ‘Do you have this?’

  Heather nodded and waved her away. Relieved, Peyton backed out of the room and almost ran along the short corridor. She stopped and sucked in a few breaths and mind-sent to Hawk. Did you find your brothers?

  No, they are not here.

  I am sorry.

  Thank you. I have found Dinas, for now that will suffice.

  Okay.

  She closed out the communication, then frowned when she realized she was staring at a large painting. That seems weird to have a painting hanging by itself, on a wall in a basement where no one can see it. Then she frowned harder and shoved the painting and watched it swing from side to side. Revealing another door with the same lock that had been on the previous cell.

  Hesitating for only a second, Peyton pressed her glowing palm against the lock. It buzzed and the door swung open to reveal another cell. Except this one was dark and smelled different. It was a musky scent, a little like cat. Not that she had ever had a cat, but she remembered her grandparent’s neighbour had many cats, and the smell was similar.

  Cautiously, she made a small ball of light on the palm of her hand and grinned. She had no idea she could do that. Staring at it for a minute she was amazed and a little worried. Her powers and abilities were growing exponentially, which was more than a little frightening, because she had no idea if she was really ready for what she may become. Sadly, there was really not much she could do about it, bu
t still this feeling of being stretched, of something growing within her, was worrying.

  She pushed the door wider and found two animals as large as Bengal tigers on steroids, chained to the back wall. They sat as though they had been expecting her, and maybe they had. Peyton threw her dim ball of light into the air, where it hung close to the ceiling, causing the room to brighten.

  Now she could see the color of their fur, they were both a light brown or tan color and their eyes were a deep purple, she called. ‘Willian.’

  He jogged to her and queried. ‘Madam?’

  She pointed at the animals and asked. ‘What are they?’

  Willian sucked in a breath and said. ‘Oh, this is not good, they are Turquall.’

  She turned her head slightly to look at him, and whatever he saw in her eyes had him hurriedly explaining. ‘It is pronounced turkwall, there appears to be a male and a female.’ Willian took a chance and said. ‘Madam, Turquall are one of the most protected sentient species in the Universe. It is illegal to capture and hold a Turquall, punishable by death. It is said that they are descended from the Tuarillians, who were gifted life by the Star Child.’

  ‘Thank you Willian. It seems someone did not care about their rights and history. Are they dangerous?’

  ‘Very, Madam they can mind-speak. I do not understand why they have not.’ He frowned as he looked at the two Turquall and asked. ‘Madam, what are you going to do, they seem starved and unwell?’

  ‘I am going to arrange for some food, then release them, and if they wish. I will have our Artar, which I am sure we have somewhere, look them over.’ She looked at the Turquall and explained. ‘An Artar is a healer for four legged beings.’

  Willian tried not to smile as he whispered. ‘I think they may know that.’

  ‘Oh, that seems reasonable.’ She whispered back, then said louder. ‘Then we will take them wherever they want to go or have someone else do it.’ She knew the Turquall understood her by the intelligence shining from their eyes. It looked like they were going to wait to see what she would do before they spoke to her. She mind-sent to Helen.

  Helen, is there any fresh meat?

  Don’t do that. You startled me.

  Sorry, what should I do?

  I do not know, knock, I guess.

  Funny, so meat?

  Oh yes, two large fresh carcasses, that look like cows. Someone called them Soytou. They seem to be in a stasis field, most interesting.

  Peyton thought she was sounding more and more like Darby, but did not say that to her, instead she asked.

  Are they clean of parasites and drugs?

  There was a pause, then she stated. I did say fresh young Lady.

  Peyton was sure she heard a sniff. Sorry, it is for some turkwall. They are like large, really large tigers. Think Saber-tooth tigers of ancient times. She sent her a picture of both Turquall.

  Oh my, I will send you both carcasses now!

  That may be too much?

  Helen retorted. Are you looking at what I am, it may not be enough.

  Peyton laughed, then asked. You have a point, can you have them brought down to the basement please.

  There was another pause, then Helen mind-spoke. Warriors are loading them as we speak, mind- sending, thingy. Peyton sent laughing and closed her out.

  Minutes later they heard the lift as it came to a stop and could smell the fresh meat.

  Peyton addressed the Turquall. ‘There is nothing left to hunt on the planet, but this is fresh and clean of parasites or drugs. When you have finished eating, the doorways will be left open for you to go outside.’

  She had the Warriors lift and place the carcasses on the floor. When they had left the cell, she flicked her fingers and the collars and chains dropped off the Turqualls.

  A male voice said. Thank you Star Daughter. We could not communicate. The collars are lined with Santinue. This is a substance that renders us mute and weakens us over time. It also binds us to the collars. As you have probably surmised by how prepared the hunters were. We are not the first Turquall to have been captured.

  Peyton smiled with no teeth showing and replied. I understand, thank you for telling me. Please enjoy your food. If you need more, please ask. A fresh spring lies three kiltos southwest from here.

  ‘Willian, make sure all the doors remain open please.’

  ‘Yes Madam.’

  Peyton moved from the cell as Willian went back to emptying the vaults. She stood in the corridor for a moment and then opened her hands, letting a soft green glow sweep through all the cells and vaults.

  When she was satisfied that only the bones of the long dead remained, she began her trek up the stairs, forgoing the lifts. Beyond her control now, her anger swelled with each burning footprint she left in the stone of the steps. The higher she climbed, the angrier she became until she reached the kitchen where her rage was incandescent.

  Everyone moved out of her path as she passed by. Helen took one look at the icy mask she wore and ordered Amelia and Jorge. ‘Take them up now. This will be no place for the young.’

  Together the couple scooped the young Raparthen up and hurried to a shuttle, only breathing easier when they were off the planet. ‘I have never seen anyone so angry before and never Peyton.’ Amelia told Jorge, who held her hand and thought. This was the Star Daughter. Anger was her nature.

  FIFTY-SEVEN:

  Peyton strode through the kitchen, leaving a trail of smoking footprints behind and damaging the finish on the floors. She was giving off so much heat, plates and ornaments melted as she passed, food instantly cooked and pots boil over on the stoves. Vegetables curled and turn brown in the cool room, as tubes of liquid boiled or exploded.

  Once outside, she walked until she could look unencumbered up into the sky at the three orbs shining down on the planet. Then she screamed, loud and long, causing the ramshackle huts in the villages several kiltos away to collapse. Mountains trembled in the wake of her voice. Then the sky darkened as three pale orange figures appeared before her, it was hard to determine if they were male or female; they were shapeless figures bathed in sunlight.

  Each of them stood and waited until the echoes of her voice died away. Then the three figures bowed, and together in a grandiose voice, they greeted Peyton.

  We greet thee Star Daughter.

  Peyton said nothing, just stared at them, her anger a living, breathing entity all of its own. Her rage pulsed around her, scorching the ground in a wide circle, encasing herself and the three figures.

  People lined the upstairs windows, staring down to where Peyton and the three figures stood. Trina and Willian stood side by side, watching the scene below them as Willian murmured. ‘The Star Daughter. Feared by all, and now you see why.’

  Trina sniffed. ‘Maybe, but do not forget, she is still our Peyton.’

  ‘You say that when you look upon her?’ He asked, his voice radiating shock as he pointed to the glowing figure pulsating anger below them.

  ‘Yes.’ She whispered. ‘I have too, we all do.’

  Confusion was written all over his face as he asked. ‘Why?’

  ‘To believe we chose right, chose the right one to follow, and to remind her she is more than what you see there. She is the same female who drinks coffee and bitches when training and laughs at vids and loves. Remember that Willian, the female you see down there loves.’

  He did not reply, just looked down at the figures below while he stood with the trembling female beside him. As he tried to remember the Star Daughter was the same sweet female who laughed and cried. He knew she did because he had seen the first and listened to the second, and yet below him stood a terrifying figure of legend.

  Melody, Darby and Netta stood on the patio with Esther, Helen and Brenda, watching their sister and friend. Just behind them was the Sene holding her baby and the two young girls who clung tightly to Heather.

  She had tried to send them to the ship, but they had screamed in terror, so she had relented, unable to bea
r the terrified looks on their little faces. Now she wished she had insisted they had left with Amelia and Jorge.

  Hawk walked out onto the patio with Kerol and two of his Warriors, Kent and Sarn. They could see the effect of her screaming, but nothing had been felt or heard in or around the mansion.

  Hawk intoned as they watched the tableau before them. ‘Behold the emergence of the Star Daughter.’

  Darby shivered. ‘I do not think she has ever been this angry before.’

  Brenda agreed. ‘That she is.’

  Esther murmured. ‘Someone is going to die.’

  They all turned to look at her, defensively, she told them. ‘We are dealing with more than our Peyton now and if you don’t believe me, look at what stands there.’ She pointed a trembling hand toward the glowing figure.

  ‘She is far greater than any of us thought she was. Frightening so.’

  Darby cringed and ducked her head, Esther told her. ‘You better harden up, Missy; this is who and what we are now. We have attached ourselves to the Star Child’s arm of justice. It is too late now to be squeamish about her and our roles in this.’

  ‘Enough Esther.’ Melody sharply growled at her.

  ‘No, you listen to me.’ She let her eyes touch on everyone there. ‘We are in this together, and had better be, because that young girl out there, needs us to step up and lift our faith in her, to be her champions. To shield her as much as we can and to realize what she is, and what she must do. We need to understand that we, all of us, have to become more than what we were as well.’

  She shook her head as she told them. ‘We were all, herself included, deluding ourselves into believing she could remain just Peyton and that we could remain untouched and unchanged by her. Do not tell me it is enough. It will never be enough. It can never be enough for her or us. You must decide who you are.’ Softer she said. ‘Her decision has been made. We must make ours.’

  Helen placed her arm around her and said coaxingly. ‘Esther luv, you have made a very good point, do not fear we will not abandon her.’